Ageing is an Opportunity, Not a Problem to Be Solved!

75% of this demographic are able to live an active life. Two-thirds of those over 65 need no assistance with daily living. Additionally, over half of people 85 years and older are able to live independently. The latest research, according to a global study released by Susan Golden, shows the vast majority will arrive at older age in good health and at the happiest stage of their life.

These longevity changes have resulted in the older adults’ needs and wants changing. It is important for us all to reflect on what we believe ageing means as it is no longer about earning and then retiring. Depending on what you want to do with your many years beyond 60, you can learn new skills, start a new business, re-prioritise your life and much more. It is not about how old you are but rather about your functionality and health, how that can be maintained or improved, so you can do the things that bring you joy and so you feel empowered to live as you want.

Often, the assumption is made that the older adult should know how to plan for and transition into this new stage of life, but we aren’t equipped in our younger years on what to expect or how to adapt to it. NGOs in the seniors’ sector play a key role in educating, advocating and guiding both older adults and those who love them. In years past, this has focused on physical health but it is now expanding. The last two years have put a spotlight on a major health concern for older adults, mental health. Loneliness affects so many and older adults are looking for more connection. Communities which focus on older adults can have such a positive impact on their outlook. Being meaningfully engaged and having a purpose is critical to an individual’s health.

As you journey through the stages of maturing, get in touch with an expert in this field just as you have for other stages of life. Engage with a guide who will help you maximise your opportunities for the many years ahead.

Across

Across

City of ancestral suffering (9)

Evasive about son being comfortable (4)

Sue assumes two fellows in charge to be enough (7)

Disrupted most of literary film preview (7)

Blades appearing when people have a row (4)

Note lack of talk about one displaying toughness (10)

B in test characteristic of a certain group (6)

Calming drug is vet’s idea possibly (8)

Reliable-sounding Scottish city (8)

They work with a tool (6)

Applaud – yes, one goes wild, see (4,4,2) 24 Encourage some of our generation (4) 26 A complex plot’s beginning to engross Peter perhaps (7) 27 Loose rocks by church make an unpleasant sound (7)

1. City of ancestral suffering (9) 6. Evasive about son being comfortable (4) 9. Sue assumes two fellows in charge to be enough (7) 10. Disrupted most of literary film preview (7) 11. Blades appearing when people have a row (4) 12. Note lack of talk about one displaying toughness (10) 14. B in test characteristic of a certain group (6) 15. Calming drug is vet’s idea possibly (8) 18. Reliable-sounding Scottish city (8) 19. They work with a tool (6) 22. Applaud – yes, one goes wild, see (4,4,2) 24. Encourage some of our generation (4) 26. A complex plot’s beginning to engross Peter perhaps (7) 27. Loose rocks by church make an unpleasant sound (7) 28. Advance payment for poet first off (4) 29. Former Blue Peter presenter wearing vest? (9)

Down

DOWN 1. Stick it to the end, leaving after the others (4,3)

Stick it to the end, leaving after the others (4,3)

Tent fire destroyed one Egyptian queen (9)

A family related by blood (4)

Tent fire destroyed one Egyptian queen (9)

A family related by blood (4)

Two letters read aloud in tent (6)

Crooked Eritrean lawyer may ask for one (8)

Two letters read aloud in tent (6)

Generous cleaner’s given one board (10)

Ring lost in bar or beauty parlour (5)

Crooked Eritrean lawyer may ask for one (8)

Country producing oil we hear (6)

Generous cleaner’s given one board (10)

Ring lost in bar or beauty parlour (5)

Middle name put first in place for telephone operators (4,6)

Country producing oil we hear (6)

I close home – that’s serious (2,7)

Middle name put first in place for telephone operators (4,6)

E.g. insert mobile numbers (8)

For example, American backed Charles (4,2)

I close home – that’s serious (2,7)

Chap is to walk with female (7)

Relative keeps us in money (6)

E.g. insert mobile numbers (8)

Decorate for a party with sailors (5)

For example, American backed Charles (4,2)

Exam offers alternative to a student (4)

Chap is to walk with female (7)

Relative keeps us in money (6)

Decorate for a party with sailors (5)

Exam offers alternative to a student (4)